(Newser)
–
Jussie Smollett pleaded not guilty Thursday to 16 charges of lying to authorities. The Empire actor, 36, is accused of staging a racist and homophobic attack on himself Jan. 29. His TV father, Terrance Howard, was in the Chicago courtroom Thursday to support Smollett, Fox News reports. Smollett, who is currently free on bond, is due to return to court April 17. (Read more Jussie Smollett stories.)